Boy dies after being hit by a falling tree in Stafford

A child has died after being struck by a falling tree, Staffordshire Police said.

Emergency services, including police as well as paramedics from the West Midlands Ambulance Service and Midlands Air Ambulance, were dispatched to Holmcroft Road, Stafford, at 6.30pm on Saturday.

“A young boy has sadly died after being injured by a fallen tree in Stafford,” a police spokesman said.

He added: “Tragically nothing could be done to save the child. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 7.30pm.

“Next relatives have been informed.”

Police on Sunday urged people to avoid the area as a large cordon was in place and they were still dealing with the incident.

A post on the Stafford & District Sunday Football League Facebook group said all matches on Sunday would include a minute’s silence before kick-off.

Prayers were said at St Bertelin’s Church, Stafford, on Sunday “for the young man, his family and all those who knew and loved him”.

In the church’s Facebook post, it was stated that the church would be open to anyone who would like to light a candle or leave flowers for the boy.

Additionally, ribbons are tied to the wooden cross on the side of the church as a gift.